Oils that cause acne: coconut oil, etc!!!

Hi people! So yesterday, I was talking about some causes of acne and it was actually a prelude to this post. A couple of weeks ago while I was applying Lavender Jamaican black castor oil to my scalp, I noticed a small bump. I was a bit worried because I had never felt a bump on my scalp before. On further inspection (with the help of my hubby), I discovered that it was a blackhead. The only new product I had used on my scalp that week was jojoba oil and I did a little more research online. Guess what I discovered? Jojoba oil can cause acne.

So, I have taken the liberty of including some popular oils and their score risk of causing acne. The higher the score, the higher the risk. For example, castor oil is said to have a score of 0-1/3. This means it has a low risk. On the other hand, sweet almond oil is said to have a score of 3/3 which means it has a high risk.

This information should not worry you if you are not acne-prone. To be on the safe side, I would advise that if you are acne-prone and your acne is refusing to clear up, check your product ingredients for these oils. If on the other hand, you have been using these oils and you have no issues, please don’t read this post and throw out your products. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!! Another thing I should say is that sometimes even the oils that are so-called non-comedogenic can cause acne!!

Chemical Rating/score

Bad guys

Peach kernel oil: 2-3/3

Sweet almond oil: 3/3

Sulfated jojoba oil: 3/4

Cocoa butter: 4/4

Sulfated castor oil: 3/4

So-so guys

Evening primrose oil: 2/4

Avocado oil: 0-2/3

Olive oil: 2-4/4

Almond oil: 2/4

Camphor oil: 2/4

Hazelnut oil: 2/4

Peanut oil: 2 : 1

Coconut oil: 2/3

Grape seed oil: 2-3/3

Jojoba oil: 0-2/3

The good guys

Hydrogenated vegetable oil: 1/3

Peanut oil: 1/3

Hybrid safflower oil: 1-2/3

Lanolin: 0-1/3

Lanolin Oil: 0-1/3

Sunflower seed oil: 1/3

Emu oil: 1/4

Castor oil: 0-1/3

Hydrogenated castor oil: 1/4

The very good guys

Hemp seed oil : 0/4

Shea butter: 0/4

Mineral oil: 0/4

PEG 40 castor oil: 0/4

To view a complete list of oils and other product ingredients that are comedogenic (pore-clogging), please click these links below: